Soon ABS and Airbags to be made mandatory

It may soon be mandatory for auto companies to install air bags and anti-lock braking systems, besides ensuring that vehicles undergo a crash test before plying on Indian roads.

The government has begun consultations with the auto industry to introduce these safety features in a bid to reduce fatalities in road accidents.

While the auto industry has been avoiding these features, arguing that cost will rise, the government is unwilling to compromise this time, given that the same manufacturers include these critical components when exporting to Europe and Latin America.

Officials said other basic safety aspects being discussed with automakers include provision of child restraint and electronic stability control (ESC) that helps drivers avoid crashes by reducing the danger of skidding, or losing control as a result of over-speeding.

Similarly, vehicles will have to undergo frontal crash test at 56 kmph. Currently, car companies claim that vehicles have gone through the test, although government agencies do not have the facility in India.

While enhancing vehicular safety will push prices by nearly 25%, the government wants to ensure that vehicles meet minimum safety standards, for which a 2017 deadline is being discussed, said an official privy to the deliberations. Facilities for frontal crash tests in Pune and Manesar (near Gurgaon) are expected to be in place by December.

Wow, now only if they can bring these features down to affordable levels for the entry level cars also. With these new laws things might get difficult for car makers or people to some extent, but it will all be for the larger good and sooner the better these things are implemented.

Yesterday the pharma industry, today the automobile industry, what next Modi SirCar.